Welsh Tory leader misses key budget vote for US prayer meeting

Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Tories, and Russell George missed a key budget vote in the Welsh Parliament to attend a prayer meeting in the US. Their absence allowed the Labour government to win a tight vote on its draft budget. Critics, including Plaid Cymru, accused the Welsh Conservatives of abandoning their role as the opposition. They highlighted the importance of attending crucial votes, especially when the outcome was close. A Welsh Conservative spokesman defended Millar's absence, citing a longstanding commitment. He noted that the current vote was not final and that the Conservatives plan to oppose the budget next month.